“High deer populations create environmental imbalance within the parks and subject the herd to increasingly poor browse and health conditions,” according to Frank Jezioro, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Monitoring and field surveys conducted by wildlife and parks managers led to the conclusion that harvests by controlled hunts should be implemented in 2013. Controlled hunts at both parks have been conducted several times in the past decade. DNR hunting regulations apply to controlled hunts. Hunting contributes to wildlife conservation while maintaining a healthy deer herd population.

A separate application for each hunt is available online at www.wvdnr.gov, under Hunting, “Controlled Hunts.” Hunting information is different for each park due to the nature of the physical location, access and eligibility.

Applications also are available at the following locations: DNR District Offices; DNR Elkins Operations Center; DNR Main Office in South Charleston; West Virginia State Park and Forest Offices; and the West Virginia State Wildlife Center at French Creek. Applications are two-sided with the application on one side and information on the reverse.

Completed applications must be postmarked and mailed to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241-0067 by Aug. 19, 2013. A random selection from applications received determines the successful applicants. Successful applicants will be notified after Oct. 1.

For additional information about the Stonewall Resort Controlled Hunt, contact Stonewall Resort State Park at (304) 269-0524, or the District 3 DNR Office at 304-924-6211.

For additional information about the Blennerhassett Island Controlled Hunt, contact Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park at (304) 420-4800, or the District 6 DNR Office at 304-420-4550.